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Potassium phosphate

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Identification
Molecular formula
K3PO4
CAS number
7778-77-0
IUPAC name
potassium phosphate
State
State

At room temperature, potassium phosphate is typically a solid. It is commonly available in anhydrous or hydrated forms and is highly soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol. When dissolved in water, it forms an alkaline solution.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 340.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 613.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
212.27g/mol
Molar mass
212.2660g/mol
Density
2.5640g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium phosphate appears as a white, crystalline solid or powder. It is odorless and hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Its crystalline form may vary depending on the specific hydrate form, from fine to coarse granules.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Phosphate

Potassium phosphate, with the chemical formula K3PO4, exhibits notable solubility characteristics that make it an interesting compound in various applications. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • High Solubility in Water: Potassium phosphate is highly soluble in water, allowing for easy preparation of aqueous solutions.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility generally increases with temperature, meaning that warmer water can dissolve more potassium phosphate than colder water.
  • pH Influence: The solubility can also be affected by the pH level of the solution; acidic or alkaline environments might impact the extent to which potassium phosphate dissolves.

In practical terms, the ability of K3PO4 to dissolve readily in water makes it a popular choice in applications like:

  • Fertilizers, where it serves as a nutrient source
  • Food additives, contributing to the nutritional content
  • Buffer solutions in biochemical applications

As a compound, potassium phosphate's solubility attributes empower its widespread use in agriculture, healthcare, and research, further emphasizing the importance of understanding solubility in chemical science.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Phosphate

Potassium phosphate is a fascinating compound that plays a vital role in various biological and industrial processes. Here are some key aspects that highlight its importance:

  • Essential Nutrient: Potassium phosphate is crucial for plant growth and development, providing essential potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) nutrients. These nutrients are vital for photosynthesis and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production.
  • Buffering Agent: In biochemistry, potassium phosphate is widely used as a buffering agent. This helps maintain pH stability in biochemical reactions, which is critical for enzyme activity and cellular function.
  • Food Industry: It is often used in the food industry as a food additive. It enhances moisture retention, acts as a texture modifier, and helps regulate acidity in various food products.
  • Fertilizer Component: As a fertilizer, potassium phosphate supplies vital nutrients to crops, promoting healthy growth and increasing crop yields.
  • Medical Applications: In medicine, potassium phosphate can be utilized in electrolyte solutions, playing a role in maintaining electrolyte balance in patients.

As a compound, potassium phosphate is not only useful in agricultural and industrial applications but also holds significance in health and nutrition. Its versatility makes it an essential compound in multiple fields, emphasizing the interconnectedness of chemistry in everyday life.

To quote a noted chemist, "Chemistry is the study of transformation; potassium phosphate transforms not just plants, but also our understanding of essential nutrients and their roles in sustaining life."